§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans his Department has to review the effectiveness of the current legislation protecting workers from the dangers of asbestos.
§ Mr. OppenheimThe Health and Safety Executive is satisfied that current legislation and guidance provide an adequate framework for preventing and controlling the risks posed by exposure to asbestos dust. There are no plans to review the main legislation. However, the HSE is concerned to ensure compliance with the precautions required by legislation and that the risks posed by asbestos are properly understood. A campaign to this end is currently underway.
§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment for how long the current Health and Safety Executive publicity awareness campaign concerning the risks of asbestos dust is expected to run.
§ Mr. OppenheimThe Health and Safety Executive launched its asbestos awareness campaign targeted at building maintenance, repair and refurbishment workers on 6 February 1995. Its initial phase comprised advertisements in the national press and in some trade journals and a press conference on 2 March 1995. In the second phase of the campaign over the coming months, HSE inspectors and other appropriate enforcement authorities will publicise the dangers of exposure to asbestos dust, especially in their visits to premises where building renovation work is carried out.